Artist Richard Baker will celebrate three years, on Monday, of hosting monthly Artists’ Breakfasts at his studio in the historic Pebbledash building in Saluda.
These conversational gatherings regularly draw from 30 to 60 fellow artists from all over the region – Asheville to Spartanburg and places east, west and in between. Baker provides the coffee, and his fellow artists drop in throughout the morning with edibles. Besides breakfast, the artists come for the fellowship: the chance to network, to find out about shows and to talk about art and their own work.
The idea came about, Baker said, when an artist entered his studio and referred to himself as “competition.” With the individuality inherent in the art world, Baker does not see artists as competitors, but rather as colleagues.
Fellow Saluda artist Bonnie Bardos said she enjoys “hanging with other artists who like to ‘talk shop,’” and she notes that the events are good for art lovers as well. “It’s always informal and fun; all are welcome,” she said. “Richard, who has a generous spirit, enjoys connecting like-minded people and seems to be having more fun than anyone!”
Baker’s own paintings reveal his lifetime study of the Hudson River School of art, featuring realistic landscapes with attention to radiant light. Besides fellow painters of the Carolinas’ scenic beauty, Baker also plays host to sculptors, abstract painters and portrait artists at his gatherings, as well as collectors. It is all about the creativity and the chance to step away from the solitary work process to, as Bardos says, “connect, talk art, enjoy coffee, treats and idea sharing.” She always leaves the studio “inspired,” she added.
Baker’s third Anniversary Artists’ Breakfast will be held Monday, July 7, from 9:30 a.m. until around noon at 18 Church St. in Saluda. The events are always held the first Monday of the month, and all are welcome to attend.
– article submitted
by Gina Malone